# [[Boy Dinner at the Castle]] ![[Dinner with Strahd-1787599341911.webp|right|350]] ## Event Details In [[013_20260821 Session 13|Session 13]], [[Zar]] and [[Erno Van Iche|Erno]] received a formal invitation from [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]] to dine with him at [[Castle Ravenloft]]. The invitation arrived at the [[Tser Pool]] Vistani encampment in a luxurious black carriage drawn by eyeless horses and driven by a jawless zombie. The letter was sealed with the personal crest of House von Zarovich, dated that same day, and signed by [[Rahadin]], Chamberlain of Castle Ravenloft. ### The Invitation ![[Rahadin-1787585773586.webp]] Strahd's message indicated that: - he had become curious about Zar's presence in Barovia; - he wanted to know how Zar had entered his domain and what he sought there; - Zar and Erno were invited to Castle Ravenloft as his guests; - their **safe passage** was guaranteed; - Strahd might be able to help them return home; - and refusing the invitation was strongly discouraged. The invitation appears to have been directed specifically at Zar and Erno. [[Andraste Amo|Andi]] and [[Irina Kolyanovich|Irina]] were not invited. ### The Gang's Response Because bringing Irina into Strahd's castle seemed especially dangerous, the Gang agreed to split up. - Zar and Erno accepted the invitation and prepared to travel to Castle Ravenloft. - Andi and Irina remained at Tser Pool. - While Zar and Erno were away, Andi and Irina would assist in the search for [[Arabelle]]. ### Timing The invitation was delivered on the **10th of Dekavyr, 713**, probably in the late morning, after the Gang had reached Tser Pool and completed their readings with [[Madam Eva]]. The trip to Ravenloft may require Zar and Erno to remain away overnight, although they were promised return passage in the same carriage. ### Significance This will be the Gang's first formal meeting with Strahd since arriving in Barovia. The invitation is especially significant because [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]] has now taken a direct personal interest in [[Zar]] and [[Erno Van Iche|Erno]] rather than merely observing the Gang from a distance. It also creates an opportunity to learn more about [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]], [[Castle Ravenloft]], and potentially the other piece of the larger puzzle that [[Madam Eva]] said Strahd possesses.